Electrolux recognised as world leader for action on climate change, sets new renewable energy target

Electrolux has been identified by CDP - the international not-for-profit organisation that drives sustainable economies - as a global leader in responding to climate change. Electrolux said yesterday that it is amongst an exclusive group of companies worldwide that have been awarded a position on the CDP's Climate A List for 2016. The company also unveiled a new target to grow the share of renewable energy used in its operations to 50%.

"Improving our climate impact is a core part of Electrolux sustainability framework 'For the Better', and CDP's assessment is one of the most important external references showing we are at the forefront of the industry," said Henrik Sundström, head of sustainability affairs at Electrolux.

The Electrolux Group has a target for a 50% reduction of carbon emissions by 2020. Two key factors in reaching this goal are improving the energy efficiency of appliances, as usage represents around 80% of the climate impact, and efficiency improvements in operations, which already save Electrolux some 400 million SEK annually.

"We are now increasing our efforts to use more energy from renewable sources," Henrik Sundström said. "This year, we've signed an agreement to only use renewable electricity in our European manufacturing of major appliances, and are moving forward with setting new goals for the rest of the world.

"Our ambition is that half of Electrolux energy should come from renewable sources by 2020. This means we have to more than double the share of renewable energy from today."

CDP runs a global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. Thousands of companies submit annual climate disclosures to CDP for independent assessment against its scoring methodology. Electrolux is amongst 9% of participating corporations to be recognized for its actions to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change in the past reporting year.

CDP's chief executive officer Paul Simpson says: "We congratulate the 193 'A List' companies that are leading the charge towards our low carbon future. Companies are key actors in enabling the global economy to achieve its new climate goals, and the leadership of this group points the way for others to take bold action and capitalise on the many opportunities that await."